Hinikayat ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ang mga Pilipinong tularan ang kabayanihan ni Dr. Jose Rizal.

Sa kaniyang mensahe sa ika-127 komemorasyon ng Rizal Day nitong Sabado, Disyembre 30, binigyang-pugay ni Marcos ang mga nagawa ng dakilang bayani sa bansa.

“As Filipinos, we culminate our every year with the commemoration of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom–an event that consolidated the independence movement, which gave rise to the birth of our nation,” pahayag ni Marcos.

“While this sacrifice was the ultimate expression of patriotism, it is crucial to recall that his work started even before that fateful day on the field of Bagumbayan. It began in his youth and childhood, when he embraced the wisdom of his family, teachers, and peets then, later on, embarked on a lifelong pursuit of excellence for a greater goal,” dagdag pa niya.

Samantala, nanawagan ang pangulo sa mga Pinoy na gawing inspirasyon at isabuhay ang “timeless values” na natutunan nila sa buhay at mga nagawa ni Rizal.

"I also call on everyone to let the genuine love for the country that he lived out and later died for propel us to have a deep and personal sense of ownership for our land and our future,” ani Marcos.

“More than a century after his demise and heroism, his influence continues to be felt in a world that is still affected by greed, oppression, and injustice in various forms. As such let us strive to walk with the same purpose, passion, and nationalism in our every endeavor so we may overcome all the challenges that stand in our way towards achieving a brighter tomorrow.”

"With our meaningful commemoration, may the ideals and spirit of Dr. Jose Rizal live on as we fully realize the Philippines that he and his contemporaries fought hard for," saad pa niya.